Interactive performance feedback for exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

A method and device for providing performance feedback to a user during a session of using exercise equipment including measuring user input during the session using at least one sensor to gather sensor data, and transmitting the sensor data to a processing device. The sensor data is evaluated to determine at least one of a force metric, a frequency metric, and an accuracy metric. The at least one of the force metric, the frequency metric and the accuracy metric are compared to at least one predetermined performance goal. Audio feedback is provided to the user based on the comparison of the at least one of the force metric, the frequency metric, and the accuracy metric with the at least one predetermined performance goal, wherein the audio feedback includes varying a musical playback in at least one of speed, volume, and pitch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/143,417 filed on Apr. 6, 2015, entitled, “INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCEFEEDBACK FOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT,” the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providinginteractive performance feedback to a user of exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Immediate feedback on athletic performance can be helpful to allow usersto determine whether their athletic performance is improving or beingmaintained at a desired level, and can provide safety benefits such aswarning a user when equipment is being used incorrectly. The ability toprovide immediate feedback on physical activities also allows forresearchers or trainers to study the effectiveness of feedback,including immediate or real-time feedback, on athletic performance,allowing researchers or trainers to determine more effective feedbackfor users to improve athletic performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is a method of providinginteractive performance feedback for a user during a session of usingexercise equipment including measuring user input during the sessionusing at least one sensor to gather sensor data and transmitting thesensor data to a processing device. The sensor data is evaluated todetermine at least one of a force metric, a frequency metric, and anaccuracy metric. The at least one of the force metric, the frequencymetric and the accuracy metric are compared to at least onepredetermined performance goal. At least one of audio and visualfeedback is provided to the user during the session based on thecomparison of the at least one of the force metric, the frequencymetric, and the accuracy metric with the at least one predeterminedperformance goal.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a system for providinginteractive performance feedback including a unit of exercise equipmentand at least one sensor operably attached to the unit of exerciseequipment to gather sensor data regarding user input. The exerciseequipment includes at least one transmitter to transmit the sensor datato a processing device. The processing device evaluates the sensor datato determine at least one of a force metric, a frequency metric and anaccuracy metric and then compares the at least one of the force metric,the frequency metric and the accuracy metric to a predeterminedperformance goal. The processing device directs at least one of an audiofeedback and a visual feedback to the user based on the user'sattainment of the at least one predetermined performance goal.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes an interactiveperformance feedback system for a punching bag, including a plurality ofaccelerometers affixed to the punching bag and operably coupled to atleast one transmitter to provide measurements to the at least onetransmitter regarding the motion of the punching bag. A processingdevice is operably coupled to the at least one transmitter to receivemeasurements from the accelerometers. The processing device evaluatesthe measurements from the accelerometers to determine at least one of aforce metric, a frequency metric, and an accuracy metric and comparesthe at least one of the force metric, the frequency metric, and theaccuracy metric to at least one predetermined performance goal. An audiofeedback output is controlled by the processing device to provide audiofeedback which varies in at least one of speed, volume, and pitch basedon the comparison of the at least one of the force metric, the frequencymetric, and the accuracy metric to the at least one predeterminedperformance goal.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a system for providing interactive performancefeedback for a user of exercise equipment;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the use of abaseline session to calculate predetermined performance goals.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the use of userperformance to update the predetermined performance goals;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a system for providinginteractive performance feedback for a user of a punching bag;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a punching bag foruse in the system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the embodiment of the punching bag shownin FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an accelerometer for use with theembodiment of a punching bag shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an electronic schematic view of the accelerometer shown inFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a distribution board for use with theembodiment of a punching bag shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is an electronic schematic view of the distribution board shownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the main execution flow and process ofpolling the accelerometers for use with the embodiment of the punchingbag shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a general flow chart of a UART and a time interrupt handlerfor use with the embodiment of the punching bag shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating typical accelerometer readings for auser's round on the embodiment of the punching bag shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the system, device and components as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. However, it is to be understood that the system, device,and components may assume various alternative embodiments andorientations and the methods for providing feedback to a user mayinclude various step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific systems,compositions, devices and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, specific compositions, dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As shown in the embodiment depicted by the schematic in FIG. 1, thepresent disclosure relates to a device and method for providingperformance feedback to a user of exercise equipment 20. At least onesensor 22 is used to detect user input (i.e., use of the exerciseequipment 20) and to output sensor data 24. The sensor data 24 istransmitted to a processing device 26. The processing device 26 computesat least one of a force measurement, a frequency measurement, and anaccuracy measurement from the sensor data 24. The processing device 26compares at least one of the force measurement, the frequencymeasurement and the accuracy measurement with at least one predeterminedperformance goal to determine whether the at least one predeterminedperformance goal has been met by the user's performance. Predeterminedperformance goals can include goals for at least one of heart rate,force, frequency, and accuracy.

The processing device 26 further directs a user performance feedbacksystem 28, which can give the user positive feedback or negativefeedback (depending upon whether the at least one predeterminedperformance goal is being met). The user feedback system 28 preferablyprovides feedback to the user while the equipment 20 is in use,including optional audio feedback and visual feedback. The user feedbacksystem 28 also optionally provides additional feedback to the user atthe end of the round or session including more detailed or statisticalinformation regarding the completed round. Various examples of the typesof exercise equipment 20 for use according to the present disclosureinclude, without limitation, a punching bag, free weights, a stationarybike, a treadmill, a rowing machine, a stair stepper machine, and anelliptical machine. In certain preferred embodiments, the sensors 22 onthe exercise equipment 20 can be used in conjunction with another typeof sensor, such as a hear rate monitor, which can also be used to sendsignals to the processing device 26.

In a preferred embodiment, sensor data 24 is transmitted to theprocessing device 26, where it is used to calculate at least one of theforce metric, the frequency metric, and the accuracy metric. The atleast one of the force metric, the frequency metric, and the accuracymetric are then compared by the processing device 26 to the at least onepredetermined performance goal to determine whether the at least onepredetermined performance goal has been met. Typically, a user willcomplete a session using the exercise equipment 20, which may or may notbe broken into further sub-units, such as sets, repetitions, or rounds.The session may be a defined length of time, a distance traveled, theduration that the user is able to continue the activity, or otherexercise metric. Where the use is divided into sub-units, performancegoals can be set per session or per sub-unit, or can be cumulative,relating to each. The predetermined performance goals can be generic,i.e., can be pre-established without reference to the user's pastperformance. However, the predetermined performance goals are preferablybased on a baseline performance evaluation of the user as furtherdescribed below and intervening sessions completed by the same user.Additionally, the performance goals preferably incorporate improvementover time, or in repeated sessions, to encourage the user to increasestrength, endurance, and skills through continued use of the exerciseequipment 20. In certain embodiments, the processing device 26 is usedto determine relative force, rather than a calibrated actual force,where the goal is to determine the overall improvement. The processingdevice 26, after determining whether the predetermined performance goalshave been met, directs feedback to the user through the user feedbacksystem 28. The feedback is preferably in real time, throughout thesession that the user is engaged in, as further described below.

In one embodiment, the audio and visual feedback are determined based onthe average performance (e.g., average, force, average frequency,average accuracy) of the user over a time period. To keep the feedbackcurrent, or in “real time” over the course of the user's session, thetime period for determination of the average for feedback is less thanthe total time of the session. For example, in a session that is 3minutes long, the average value of the relevant measurement over themost recent 5 second time period can be used. The processing device cancontinue to perform this calculation to determine a moving average andcontinue to update the feedback to the user.

In one embodiment, the user receives auditory feedback during each roundor session.

In a preferred embodiment, the user selects music to be played duringthe session (or the genre of music, or a musical station). Duringoperation, at least one of the volume, frequency (tempo), or pitch ofthe music are adjusted to provide auditory feedback based on the user'sattainment of at least one predetermined performance goals during theround or session. For example, if the user is below the predeterminedperformance goal for frequency, the tempo of the music is slowed. Inanother example, if the user is below the predetermined performance goalfor force the volume of the music is lowered. In yet another example, ifthe user is below the predetermined performance goal for accuracy, thepitch of the music can be altered. Alternative combinations andconfigurations, e.g., altering the volume based on the frequency, canalso be employed. However, it is preferable for each predeterminedperformance goal to be used to control a separate aspect of the audiofeedback to allow the user to know in real time which aspect of theathletic performance is meeting the predetermined performance goal. Thevariation of the frequency (tempo), volume, and pitch of the music canbe based on a linear relationship with the attainment of performancegoals, or any other function, and a lower or upper limit can be placed,e.g., so the music does not fall below 90% of the tempo, volume, orpitch of the original.

In one preferred embodiment, a user or administrator creates anindividual user profile prior to the user using the exercise equipment20 as described herein. The user profile may contain information, forexample, a user name, the user's age, the user's weight, the user'sheight, the user's fitness or experience level, or the user's musicalpreferences for auditory feedback. In addition to the general userprofile, in the preferred embodiment predetermined force, frequency andaccuracy performance goals are set for each user, as well as optionalpredetermined goals such as optimal heart rate. To set thesepredetermined performance goals, a baseline session can be used todetermine the user's current fitness and skill level. In certainembodiments, the user's initial baseline fitness and skill level can beused to classify the user as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user(or any other categories, such as level 1-5 users). An improvedperformance over that demonstrated by the user in the baseline sessioncan be targeted with the predetermined performance goals with thepercentage increase over the baseline session optionally influenced bythe classification of the user's initial baseline fitness and skilllevel.

As shown in the embodiment depicted by the schematic in FIG. 2, thepresent disclosure also relates to determination of the predeterminedperformance goals for the user through the use of a baseline session todetermine the user's current level of skill and experience using theexercise equipment 20. As shown in the embodiment depicted by theschematic in FIG. 3, the predetermined performance goals for the userare also updated over time, to account for changes in the user's skilland experience level, preferably improvements in the skill andperformance level resulting from continued use of the exercise equipment20.

In one embodiment, the predetermined performance goals are designed totarget certain incremental percentage increases in force, frequency oraccuracy metrics. As described herein, in a preferred embodiment, theincremental increase is predetermined based on the user's baselinefitness level. For example, a beginner user could have a givenincremental increase for the predetermined performance goal, while anintermediate or advanced user has a different incremental increase forthe predetermined performance goal. In an alternate embodiment, the useris able to select or enter a desired incremental increase. In yetanother alternate embodiment, a trainer, fitness professional, orresearcher could prepare a protocol to set the desired incrementalincrease in predetermined performance goals.

In the particular embodiment depicted by the schematic in FIG. 2, theuser performs a “baseline session” using the exercise equipment duringwhich time the user is being monitored, but is not receiving audio orvisual feedback regarding performance goals. The user is optionallyshown a visual display with information such as the remaining time inthe session. In one preferred embodiment, the length of the baselinesession is a 3-minute round, for example, where the exercise equipmentis a punching bag. In an alternate embodiment, the length of thebaseline session is chosen to correspond to a typical user exercisesession. The exercise equipment monitors the user's performance duringthe baseline session. Based on the results of the baseline session,i.e., the at least one force metric, frequency metric, and accuracymetric, the user's initial performance level is displayed to the user,and the at least one predetermined performance goal for the next sessionis calculated based off of the initial performance level during thebaseline session and the desired increase in performance.

In one non-limiting example, where the exercise equipment 20 is apunching bag, based on the average force of the user's strikes againstthe punching bag sensed by the sensors 22, the user is classified as abeginner, intermediate or expert level user. Based on the user's level,the goal for increases in force can be varied, e.g., 105% increase forbeginners, 110% increase for intermediates, and 117% increase forexperts. Additionally, or alternatively, the user can be classified as abeginner, intermediate, or expert level user based on the strikefrequency or upon the user strike accuracy.

Alternatively, the user or an administrator could enter a predeterminedset of criteria, e.g., if the exercise equipment 20 will be used for afitness test with minimum requirements, those requirements could be setas the predetermined performance goals. These types of predeterminedperformance goals could be set with or without the use of a baselinesession to evaluate the user.

With continued use of the exercise equipment 20, predeterminedperformance goals are updated to account for the user's continuedimprovement. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, as the useruses the exercise equipment 20, the processing device 26 evaluates thesensor data 24 provided by the sensor 22 to determine whether the useris meeting the current predetermined performance goals. The processingdevice 26 directs the user's feedback system 28, giving positivefeedback if the at least one predetermined performance goal is being metand negative feedback if the at least one predetermined performance goalis not being met. The sensor data 24 is saved, and the predeterminedperformance goals for the next session are calculated based on theuser's performance.

In certain embodiments, the predetermined performance goals can bedecreased, can be increased, or can remain unchanged based on whetherthe user meets the at least one predetermined performance goal, or howfar the user's performance varies from the at least one predeterminedperformance goal in the previous session. For example, if a user'sperformance is significantly better than the at least one predeterminedperformance goal in the previous session, the at least one predeterminedperformance goal for the next session may be increased more than if theuser's performance barely exceeds the at least one predeterminedperformance goal in the previous session. Similarly, in certainembodiments if the user fails to meet the at least one predeterminedperformance goal, the at least one predetermined performance goal forthe next session may remain the same. If the user fails to meet the atleast one predetermined performance goal in one or more consecutivesessions, the at least one predetermined performance goal may be loweredfor future sessions. The at least one predetermined performance goal canbe varied using different increments for each of the attributes beingmeasured, e.g., a different incremental increase in the predeterminedperformance goal for force (5%) versus the incremental increase in thepredetermined performance goal for frequency (10%).

In various embodiments the predetermined performance goals can be addedin a stepwise fashion. As one non-limiting example, the predeterminedperformance goals can begin with a goal only for force. As the userimproves his or her force metric, the predetermined performance goalscan be modified to also include a goal for frequency. As both of thesefactors improve, the predetermined performance goals can be modified toinclude an accuracy goal. This allows a user to focus on a certainaspect of performance until a desired level is reached, and stepwiseincorporation of predetermined performance goals may be useful withcertain types of exercise equipment 20 where endurance or strength mustbe built or a specific aspect of the skill must be mastered.

In one embodiment, the user receives visual feedback from the userfeedback system 28 including a display of the at least one force metric,frequency metric, or accuracy metric. The display can indicate the atleast one force metric, frequency metric, or accuracy metric of the mostrecent strike, or can indicate the measurement for the moving averagecalculation during the session. In addition to or in place of thisvisual feedback, the display can include information regarding theelapsed time of the session or sub-unit, the time remaining in thesession or sub-unit, the total number of strikes, steps, or repetitionsin the session or sub-unit, the overall frequency or rate of strikes,steps or repetitions, the average accuracy metric, the average forcemetric, the minimum force metric, the maximum force metric, or otherdetailed data. The display can also optionally be used to display otherdetailed data regarding the user's previous session or sub-unit uponcompletion of the session or sub-unit.

The color of the writing, the background, or any other portion of thevisual display can also be altered to indicate whether the predeterminedperformance goals (or at least one of the predetermined performancegoals) are being met. For example, if the predetermined performancegoals are being met, the background for the visual display may be agreen color, while if the user's performance falls below 95% of thepredetermined performance goal the display or a portion thereof changesto yellow and if the user's performance falls below 90% of thepredetermined performance goal the display or a portion thereof changesto red. Alternative arrangements or cutoff points could also be used,such as switching to a warning color when the user's performance fallsbelow at least one of the predetermined performance goals or when theuser falls to a specified percentage above the at least onepredetermined performance goal, or omitting the use of a warning color.

One embodiment of a system 30 for providing interactive performancefeedback using a punching bag 32 is depicted in FIG. 4. The punching bag32 is equipped with a plurality of sensors 34 to detect user input(i.e., strikes against the punching bag 32) and generate sensor data 36regarding the user input. The punching bag 32 is further equipped with amicrocontroller 38 to receive the sensor data 36 from the sensors 34 andto transmit the data 36 via a wireless communication transmitter 40 to awireless communication receiver 42 which is operably connected to aprocessing device 44. The processing device 44 computes at least one ofa force metric, a frequency metric, and an accuracy metric and comparesthe at least one of the force metric, the frequency metric, and theaccuracy metric to the at least one predetermined performance goal todetermine whether the predetermined performance goal has been met. Theprocessing device 44 directs a feedback system 46 to the user regardingwhether the user's performance meets, exceeds, or falls short of thepredetermined performance goals. The performance feedback system 30optionally includes an audio feedback module 48 and a visual feedbackmodule 50. The processing device 44 also directs storage of the user'sperformance in a storage file 52 as measured by the force metric, thefrequency metric, and the accuracy metric so that the data can beretrieved for viewing in the future and the data can be used tocalculate future predetermined performance goals.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-5, the sensors 34 used areaccelerometers, and are secured to the punching bag 32 using one or moreremovable straps 54. Such straps can optionally be connected via hookand loop connectors, buttons, snaps, or can stretch over the punchingbag 32. The microcontroller 38 is secured to a stand 56 for the punchingbag 32, above the punching bag 32, where it will remain stable and outof the range of the user's strikes. In another embodiment, the sensors34 and microcontroller 38 can be secured in a sheath, where the sheathis removable from the punching bag 32. In an alternate embodiment, thepunching bag 32 can include an integrated system of sensors 34 andmicrocontroller 38.

Where accelerometers are used as the sensors 34, each accelerometermeasures acceleration in three dimensions, allowing the data from theplurality of accelerometers to be used to calculate the force, thefrequency, and the accuracy of the user's strikes. In one preferredembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, at least two accelerometers arepositioned around the punching bag 32, with one sensor 34 near the topof the punching bag 32 and another sensor 34 near the bottom of thepunching bag 32. In another preferred embodiment, four accelerometersare positioned around the punching bag 32. The use of multiple sensors34 such as accelerometers in the design allows various factorscontributing to the overall impact of the strike to be accounted for,such as the punching bag 32 swinging following previous strikes, and istherefore preferred over the use of a single accelerometer.

Where accelerometers are chosen as the sensors 34, to choose appropriateaccelerometers for a given application and set of exercise equipment 20,testing can be undertaken to find out the force that will be applied bythe user input to the exercise equipment 20, whether used with thepunching bag 32 or another type of exercise equipment 20. Theaccelerometers are preferably calibrated individually, and then refinedonce positioned in the exercise equipment 20 through the use of methodssuch as using a motion capture system and comparing a motion capturedatabase to sensor data 36 to develop an accurate tracking of motion ofthe punching bag 32 or other exercise equipment 20 using theaccelerometer sensor data 36. Various accelerometers have differentsensitivities and limits on their ability to detect acceleration. Theaccelerometers are optionally powered by a wired electrical connection.With a wired connection, a capacitor can be added between the ground andpower of the accelerometer to reduce electronic noise. Where a wiredconnection is used, the SCLK, MOSI, and MISO pins of each accelerometerare electrically connected, with the individual chip select pinsconnected to GPIO pins on the microcontroller.

The accelerometers are calibrated to establish force readings generatedby the user's strike by measuring the acceleration of the punching bag32. The sensor data 36 regarding the acceleration of the punching bag 32is transmitted to the processing device 44, and the processing device 44can then use the sensor data 36 to calculate or determine the overallforce of the strike on the punching bag 32. In one embodiment, themagnitude of the initial impulse is multiplied by the mass of thepunching bag 32 to determine the force of the strike. In anotherembodiment the maximum force that occurs over the time of the strike isused to calculate the force of the strike. In many cases, the initialimpulse will correspond with the largest spike in the accelerometer'soutput. In certain embodiments, relative force measurements (orcalculations) can be reliably used, e.g., to allow the predeterminedperformance goals to target a percentage improvement in relative forceover time.

Additionally, the frequency of the strikes can be calculated based uponthe time measured between detected strikes in the sensor data 36. Inorder to detect the frequency of strikes on the punching bag 32, duringthe calibration of the accelerometers, a threshold acceleration can beincorporated such that sensor data 36 below the threshold accelerationis filtered from the sensor data 36, thereby allowing the sensor data 36from the accelerometers to distinguish between a tap or push on thepunching bag 32 and a full strike of the punching bag 32 as well as tofilter out the effect of accelerometer noise. In one particularembodiment, to be considered a strike on the punching bag 32 a number ofconsecutive readings over a threshold value must be detected, with apredefined gap between one set of values above the threshold value andthe next set of values above the threshold value to detect the nextstrike (to correspond to the maximum speed that humans are capable ofstriking the punching bag 32).

In addition to detecting the level of force and the frequency of thestrikes, the location of the strike on the punching bag can also bedetermined based on the sensor data 36 from the accelerometer and therelative accelerations of the accelerometers. Accuracy is calculatedthrough the comparison of acceleration magnitudes of accelerometers indifferent positions on the punching bag 32. The magnitude of theaccelerometer reading will vary greatly between sensors 34 located nearthe bottom of the punching bag 32 and sensors 34 located near the top ofthe punching bag 32 based on the location of the strike. Throughtesting, a formula can be created to determine the location of a givenstrike based on these differences in sensor data 36 between theaccelerometers. The processing device 44 can then compare the distancebetween the strike and predetermined points on the punching bag 32 todetermine the accuracy of the strike (e.g., whether the strike is in atarget zone).

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-6, the microcontroller 38 is usedto gather sensor data 36 from the sensors 34, and transmit the sensordata 34 to the processing device 44 for data manipulation and storage.The microcontroller 38 is preferably positioned out of the range oflikely strikes to the punching bag 32, such as positioned on a bottomsurface of the punching bag 32, a top surface of the punching bag 32, oron a stand 56 for holding the punching bag 32. The microcontroller 38could also optionally be positioned on a rear surface of the punchingbag 32. The microcontroller 38 can be powered by a wired connection toan outlet or a battery. The microcontroller 38 is preferably a low-powerdevice to optimize battery life and reduce the need to have a wiredpower source to power the microcontroller. Due to the high energy useassociated with wireless transmission, the microcontroller 38 will alsopreferably include a separate battery pack electrically connected to themicrocontroller 38, with a warning LED to illuminate when the batterypower is low. An on/off switch to conserve power for the microcontrolleris also preferred. The microcontroller also preferably includes at leastone GPIO pin for each accelerometer that is used and a serialcommunication port to be used as the wireless communication transmitter40 to transmit the sensor data 36 wirelessly to the processing device44.

Also as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-6, the sensors 34and microcontroller 38 are preferably contained in an electronic-safeharness, with the sensors 34 having a wired connection to a distributionboard 58 that physically connects the hardware components of the sensors34 and the microcontroller 38. In one embodiment, standard Ethernetcables 60 can be used to wire the sensors 34 to the distribution board58. The distribution board 58 is preferably housed in a metal,plexiglass, or other protective container, and includes themicrocontroller 38 and wireless communication transmitter 40 operablyconnected to the microcontroller 38 to transmit information to theprocessing device 44. In an alternate embodiment, the harness caninclude e-textiles using conductive thread to connect lilly-padaccelerometer sensors 34 and the microcontroller 38. Textile designs aremore tolerant of environmental changes than printed circuit boarddesigns and wired designs. In another embodiment, the sensors 34 andmicrocontroller 38 are battery-powered and capable of transmittingsensor data 36 wirelessly, to reduce the electronic components and thewiring that will be positioned on the punching bag 32, where it issubject to potential impact and moisture.

In one embodiment, the sensor data 36 is sent from the microcontroller38 through the wireless communication transmitter 40 to a wirelesscommunication receiver 42 which is operably connected to the processingdevice 44. In alternate embodiments, the microcontroller 38 and theprocessing device 44 can communicate through alternative wired orwireless connections, such as using Bluetooth, WiFi, or othercommunication protocols.

In one particular embodiment of a punching bag 32 according to thepresent disclosure, the accelerometers selected for use with thepunching bag 32 are able to withstand forces of 24 g (g=9.80665 m/s²).One example of a suitable accelerometer for use on this punching bag 32embodiment is an LIS331HH accelerometer, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, which isa three-axis accelerometer which has a programmable low pass filter andinterrupts, and is capable of serial communication.

Also, as generally shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, themicrocontroller 38 is positioned on the distribution board 58, which islocated on the top of the punching bag 32 on the stand 56, out of therange of the strike zone on the punching bag 32. Each of theaccelerometer sensors 34 as shown in FIGS. 7-8 is hard-wired to themicrocontroller 38, as shown in FIGS. 9-10. The distribution board 58,as shown in FIGS. 9-10 includes four RJ45 connectors 62, a MSP430 G2553model microcontroller 38, and a wireless communication transmitter 40such as a wireless serial port device (XBee series 1 [802.15.4]). Allpins of the connectors 62 are electrically connected through a buffer 64to the MSP430 microcontroller 38. The MSP430 microcontroller 38 is thenconnected to the wireless communication transmitter 40. The wirelesscommunication transmitter 40 of the distribution board 58 transmitssensor data 36 wirelessly to a wireless communication receiver 42 whichis operably connected to the processing device 44. Table 1 belowincludes a listing of the electrical parts used in the particularembodiment shown in FIGS. 4-10 to measure the force and frequency ofstrikes against the punching bag 32.

TABLE 1 Bill of Materials for Interactive Punching Bag ElectronicsManufacturer Part Name Description Manufacturer Part No. XBee ExplorerBreakout board for XBee Module to mount to Sparkfun WRL-11373 Regulateddistribution board Electronics XBee Adapter Breakout board for XBeeModule to connect to Adafruit 126.00 kit—v1.1 the host PC via FTDI CableIndustries FTDI Serial TTL- FTDI cable to connect XBee Adapter to FutureTTL-232R-3V3 232 USB Cable host PC Technology Devices International Ltd.XBee 1 mW Wire XBee Module to preform wireless UART Digi XB24-AWI-001Antenna—Series 1 communication International (802.15.4) Jumper WiresJumper wires used for preliminary testing of Sparkfun PRT-09140 Premium6″ M/F accelerometers, and XBee Modules Electronics Pack of 10 12′micro-USB to Micro-USB cable used to power the entire PWR+ 533-PWR57-USB Cable system via a USB Wall Charger 54723 xGen Home Travel USB wallcharger used to power the system xGen N/A Wall AC Charger via a standardwall outlet USB Female Headers Break-away female header pins used forinitial Not Listed Not Listed phases of testing with the Xbee's MaleHeaders Male headers used for mounting breakout Not Listed Not Listedboards to the distribution board 25′ Spool of Solid General hookup wireused for initial testing Guasti Wire HS22-06-25 Core Hookup Wirephases/wiring of the distribution board (Blue) 25′ Spool of SolidGeneral hookup wire used for initial testing Guasti Wire HS22-02-25 CoreHookup Wire phases/wiring of the distribution board (Red) 25′ Spool ofSolid General hookup wire used for initial testing Guasti WireHS22-04-25 Core Hookup Wire phases/wiring of the distribution board(Yellow) 25′ Spool of Solid General hookup wire used for initial testingGuasti Wire HS22-05-25 Core Hookup Wire phases/wiring of thedistribution board (Green) Triple Axis Breakout board with a LIS331accelerometer Sparkfun SEN-10345 Accelerometer and driving componentsElectronics Breakout—LIS331 1″ Black Knitted Roll of knitted elasticband used to secure the Not Listed Not Listed Elastic Roll 50 yrdsaccelerometers to the bag RJ45 Ethernet Breakout board with RJ45 pinspacing used to Sparkfun PRT-08790 Breakout Board mount the RJ45connectors to distribution board Electronics RJ45 8-Pin RJ45 8-pinconnectors used to connect the Not Listed Not Listed Connector ethernetcables connected to the accelerometers to the distribution boardMSP430G2553 MSP430G2553 Microprocessor mounted on the Texas MSP-EXP430G2Launchpad Launchpad Development board from TI Instruments Amzer DualMicro- Used to split the Micro-USB cable connected to Amzer AMZ85746 USBSplitter wall charger to separate cables to power the MSP430, and XBeeModule BELKIN R6G088- Ethernet cable ends to connect to one end of theBELKIN R6G088-R-10 R-10 RJ45 Plug bulk Cat5e cable, while other endconnects to accelerometer Micro-USB to Used to convert Micro-USB cableto Mini-USB SF Cable Not-Listed Mini-USB Adapter to power the MSP430HeatShrink Tubing Heat shrink tubing used to cover components QualtekQ2-F4X-2-01- mounted to bag, and PC dongle for Xbee QB48IN-5 ModuleRadioShack Grid- PC Board with 2200 Holes, used as the main RadioShack276-147 Style PC Board distribution board for the entire project with2200 Holes

The processing device 44 used with the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-10pulls data from the accelerometer sensors 34 every 4 ms in a round-robinconfiguration, and uses the average value of the sensor data 36 over themost recent 5 seconds to determine whether the at least onepredetermined performance goal has been met over that 5 second timeperiod. The processing device 44 can continue to perform thiscalculation, to determine a moving average and continue to update thefeedback to the user.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the main execution flow as well as theprocess of polling the accelerometer sensors 34 in the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 4-10. In use, the processing device 44 begins a roundor session by initializing an SPI interface, a UART interface, thesystem clocks, and a timer module for execution. Next, the sensors 34are configured and initialized with the setup parameters. Then the mainexecution starts an infinite loop where it repeatedly checks severalstate flags to determine whether the observation station has sent asignal to begin polling the sensors 34, or if the timer has proceededenough to indicate that, it is time to poll the sensors 34 to get newsensor data 36. If the flag for transmission is set to indicate thesensors 34 should be polled, and the timer interrupt has gone off 3times (i.e. 3 ms have elapsed since the last poll of accelerometersensors 34), then the sensors 34 are polled for the new sensor data 36values.

FIG. 12 illustrates the general flow diagram of a UART and timerinterrupt handler in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-10. The timerinterrupt handler checks a global counter variable that increments eachtime the interrupt has gone off, until it reaches 3. When the globalcounter variable reaches 3, the state flag signals that it is time topoll the sensors 34 again and the counter is set back to 0. The UARTInterrupt handler checks the received character to determine if it is a“B” or if it is an “E.” If the character received is a “B” the stateflag is set to signal that the sensors 34 need to be polledcontinuously. If the character received is an “E,” the state flag is setto signal that the hardware should be idle and stop polling/sending thesensor data 36 to the processing device 44.

A typical set of sensor data 36 for the user's round on the punching bag32 depicted in FIGS. 4-10 is shown in FIG. 13. This sensor data 36 isevaluated by the processing device 44 to determine strike force, strikefrequency, and strike accuracy and to compare these values topredetermined performance goals, as described above. The processingdevice 44 directs audio feedback and visual feedback to the user,allowing the user to see real time feedback regarding the user'sachievement of the at least one predetermined performance goals. Theprocessing device 44 as described in this embodiment would then comparethe frequency, the force, and the accuracy of the strikes with the atleast one predetermined performance goals, which are calculated asdescribed above. If the strike frequency over the most recent 5 secondsis below the predetermined performance goal for frequency, theprocessing device directs the audio feedback module 48 to slow the tempoof the music being played. If the strike frequency meets or exceeds thepredetermined performance goal for frequency, the music is played at itsoriginal tempo. The strike frequency may be calculated determined for aseries of successive predefined time periods of, for example, 5 seconds.The time periods may be in a range from 1 second or less to 10 secondsor more (e.g. 30 or 60 seconds). Similarly, if the strike force is belowa predetermined performance goal for the force of the strike, the volumeof the music is lowered and if the strike force meets or exceeds thepredetermined performance goal for the force of the strike, the volumeof the music is retained at the original level.

In various alternative embodiments force measurements, frequencymeasurements, and accuracy measurements can be used to evaluate a user'sperformance on many different types of exercise equipment 20, includingwithout limitation free weights, a stationary bike, a treadmill, arowing machine, a stair stepper, and an elliptical trainer. Examples ofthe types of force, frequency, and accuracy measurements and sensors 22for each of these types of equipment 20 are described in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Alternate Embodiments Force Metric Frequency Metric AccuracyMetric Free Weights Weight Break between Balance of force repetitionsfrom each hand Accelerometer Accelerometer Accelerometer StationaryResistance Speed Balance Bike Strain Gauge Accelerometer AccelerometerTreadmill Force of Step Treadmill speed Steps aligned to center (footplacement) Accelerometer Accelerometer IR Sensors Rowing ResistanceSpeed Straightness Machine balance of forces Strain Gauge AccelerometerAccelerometer Stair Stepper Force on Step Speed Foot placementAccelerometer Accelerometer Force Sensing Resistor Elliptical Pressureon plates Speed Even workload Accelerometer Accelerometer Accelerometer

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the exercise equipment 20 and system 30 for providingperformance feedback as shown and described in the exemplary embodimentsis illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merelyfor illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of thedevice, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing interactive performancefeedback for a user during a session of using exercise equipment, themethod comprising: measuring user input during the session using atleast one sensor to gather sensor data; transmitting the sensor data toa processing device; evaluating the sensor data utilizing the processingdevice to determine at least one of a force metric, a frequency metric,and an accuracy metric; comparing the at least one of the force metric,the frequency metric, and the accuracy metric to at least onepredetermined performance goal; and providing feedback to the userduring the session based on the comparison of the at least one of theforce metric, the frequency metric, and the accuracy metric with the atleast one predetermined performance goal.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein: the sensor comprises an accelerometer that is mounted on apunching bag.
 3. The method of claim 2, including: determining at leastone of stroke force, strike frequency, and strike accuracy utilizingdata from the accelerometer.
 4. The method of claim 3, including:utilizing the processing device to determine the strike frequency for aseries of successive predefined time periods; and including: comparingthe strike frequency to a predetermine strike frequency goal.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, including: causing an audio device to generate anaudible feedback noise of a first type if the strike frequency is belowthe predetermine strike frequency goal.
 6. The method of claim 5,including: providing music having an initial tempo, and wherein: thenoise of the first type comprises music having a tempo that is slowerthan the initial tempo.
 7. The method of claim 6, including: providingmusic having a volume; comparing the strike force to a predeterminedstrike force goal; lowering the volume of the music if the strike forcemeets or exceeds the predetermined strike force goal.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein: the feedback comprises at least one of audio andvisual feedback.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein: the exerciseequipment is selected from a group consisting of free weights,stationary bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, stair steppers, andelliptical machines; and the at least one sensor comprises anaccelerometer.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein: the at least onesensor comprises an accelerometer configured to generate data from whicha frequency metric can be determined.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein: the exercise equipment includes a movable member that moves ina repetitive manner defining a frequency in response to a force appliedby a user of the exercise equipment; and the at least one sensorcomprises an accelerometer; utilizing the processing device to determinea frequency of the movement of the movable member.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein: the movable member comprises a pair of pedals thatare configured to move in response to forces applied thereto by a user'sfeet.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein: the accuracy metric comprisesfoot placement.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein: foot placement ismeasured utilizing at least one IR sensor.
 15. A system for providinginteractive performance feedback, comprising: exercise equipment havinga movable input member that is configured to move while a user applies aforce to the movable input member; at least one sensor operablyconnected to the movable input member to gather sensor data regardinguser input to the movable input member; at least one transmitterconfigured to transmit the sensor data to a processing device, whereinthe processing device is configured to evaluate the sensor data anddetermine at least one of a force metric, a frequency metric, and anaccuracy metric and then compare the at least one of the force metric,the frequency metric and the accuracy metric to a predeterminedperformance goal and provide feedback to a user based at least in part,on the comparison.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein: the sensorcomprises an accelerometer mounted to the movable input member.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein: the movable input member comprises apunching bag.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein: the exerciseequipment is configured to provide at least one of audio feedback andvisual feedback to a user while the user is exercising utilizing theexercise equipment.
 19. An interactive performance feedback system for apunching bag, the system comprising: at least one transmitter; aplurality of accelerometers configured to be affixed to a punching bag,wherein the plurality of accelerometers are operably coupled to the atleast one transmitter and provide data to the at least one transmitterregarding motion of a punching bag; a processing device operably coupledto the at least one transmitter to receive data from the accelerometers,wherein the processing device is configured to evaluate data from theaccelerometers to determine at least one of a force metric, a frequencymetric, and an accuracy metric, and wherein the processing device isconfigured to compare the at least one of the force metric, thefrequency metric, and the accuracy metric to at least one predeterminedperformance goal; and an audio device, wherein the audio device iscontrolled by the processing device to provide audio feedback whichvaries in at least one of speed, volume and pitch based, at least inpart, on the comparison of the at least one of the force metric, thefrequency metric and the accuracy metric to the at least onepredetermined performance goal.
 20. The interactive performance feedbacksystem of claim 19, wherein: the processing device is configured tocause the audio device to provide audio feedback while a user isstriking the punching bag.